The 19 year old singer/songwriter, Peppina has made quite the impression on the music world. Two years ago, she began sharing her music on hitRECord.org, the website and open collaborative production company created by actor/director Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The Finnish singer made such a fan out of Joseph that he invited her to the States to perform two songs – “Beastly Beauty” and “We Can Go Back Again” – live with him for Season One of the Emmy award winning TV show, “Hit Record on TV”.

The acclaimed actor has also mentioned Peppina in various interviews he’s done around the website and show saying to the New York Daily News, “One of the most talented songwriters I’ve found is a woman named Peppina from Finland. Her English lyrics are amazing.”

Peppina has worked with the renown producers, Jeff Franzel, Jimmy Landry and Michael Spivack onher debut EP, “Follow Your Gravity”. Learn more about this rising singer-songwriter in the following interview:

Sometime this year, you will be releasing your debut EP, “Follow Your Gravity”. What does that feel like? Which songs on this collection are you most excited to share?

It feels absolutely amazing. I’m just thinking about where I was a year ago – in high school! – and how I got to this point…it gives me chills. Each song on this EP tells a part of my story, so I’m equally excited to share all of them.

I saw that you met your campaign goal on IndieGoGo! Congrats! What was that all like?

Thank you! Wow! It was quite a ride. It’s very uncharacteristic of me to ask for anything, least of all money, so it was pretty exhausting to wake up every day thinking “how can I raise more today?” But over all it was a great experience. Not only because we reached the goal, but because of the connection that grew between me and my audience. Their belief in my music gave me confidence to keep fighting.

In the past, you have shared your music on hitRECord.org, the website and open collaborative production company created by actor/director Joseph Gordon-Levitt. How did you first learn about this company?

A friend told me about it and I fell in love immediately!

Joseph is clearly a big fan of yours since he asked you to perform two songs – “Beastly Beauty” and “We Can Go Back Again” – live with him for Season One of the Emmy award winning TV show, “Hit Record on TV”. Can you elaborate on that whole experience?

It was absolutely crazy and very unexpected. I had barely even performed my own music anywhere before and the next thing I know I’m on a stage singing in front of 1,800 people and TV cameras. Both of these performances were huge turning points in my life and I’ll surely remember them forever.

You have a very interesting upbringing! Ultimately, how do you think it all has affected you as a performer? When do you think was the moment that you decided to be an artist?

I’ve always been extremely passionate about music and my parents supported me in the best way possible – never pushed me too much, but always encouraged me. Joining hitRECord was a big moment for me as a songwriter, but as I mentioned earlier, the performances in the USA together with Joe were big turning points. Being there on the stage is when I realized that in addition to creating music, I really want to also be able to share it with others.

Do you think being from Finland has influenced your music? If so, how exactly?

One obvious thing is the language. Although I know English pretty well and feel comfortable using it, it still isn’t my native language. I don’t know the language completely and can’t hide behind fancy phrases and metaphors, so I had to learn a way to be very straight and direct in my way of phrasing things, which I think is a good thing.

What has been the biggest surprise about being in the music industry?

Pretty much just realizing what a huge industry it actually is. I’ve spent most of my time just enjoying the creative side of it, but as an independent artist, after we finished recording, I had to jump into learning how to handle the business part. It’s a whole new universe for me!

Living or dead, what artist would you love to work with and why?

Yann Tiersen. He’s a French composer who makes just simply magical instrumental music, collaborating with him on a song would be a dream!

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making??

Regina Spektor and Yann Tiersen will always be the very root of how I like to make music. They make beautiful harmonies and quirky lyrics. Lately I’ve been listen to a lot of Wild Child and Stevie Wonder, which is a funny mix and, most likely affects my music!

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with you? In-studio, on stage or elsewhere?

There was a technical issue in the middle of the show at The Orpheum Theatre in LA and I had to quit mid-song in front of 1,800 people and go backstage to fix the problem. Oddly I wasn’t embarrassed or nervous, since technical issues happen, but everyone backstage were freaking out. I was so young and inexperienced that I guess they were afraid I’ll have a mental breakdown. Luckily there was one guy, very laid back, smiling from ear to ear with his hands in his pockets, telling me that “it’s going great, good job!” This one chill guy in the middle of all that tension made me so happy and after that moment I went back on stage and killed it!

Where are you most excited to go when you tour to promote your EP?

Ohhh so many places. I’ll have to stay in Europe for now, so let’s say UK. There’s just so many people there who have supported my music throughout my journey, would be great to perform there!

What message would you like to give your fans about your music?

I just really hope my music makes them feel things. To me, the biggest feeling one can feel is the feeling of being understood by someone, so I hope they’ll relate to my songs and hopefully find comfort in them!

About the Author

Leah Brungardt joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music.